Third party fundraisers

Animal Humane Society is fortunate for the great generosity and support of people and organizations throughout the Twin Cities. Often, people spend their own time, money, and effort organizing a fundraiser to benefit our shelters. These fundraisers vary in type and size, but include lemonade stands, car washes, golf tournaments, and more.

If you are interested in organizing and hosting your own event to benefit Animal Humane Society, please review our policies & procedures, then fill out an application. We will do our best to respond within 7 days, and can offer guidance to help make your event a success.

Policies and procedures

In order to assure that Animal Humane Society's name, image, and reputation are properly represented, we ask that all third-party fundraisers abide by the following policies. Your cooperation will help us guarantee consistency and quality in the events that ultimately benefit our shelters. Thank you again for your efforts.

While we may be able to provide guidance for your event, we do not have the personnel to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with third-party events. Therefore, you are responsible for all details of the event including: underwriting all of the related costs; recruiting volunteers to help out at the event; creating flyers to publicize the event; working at the actual event.

The event must be promoted in a manner to avoid statements or the appearance of Animal Humane Society endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual, or service.

Before distribution to the public, Animal Humane Society must approve all event-related publicity in which Animal Humane Society's name or logo is used (including print, boradcast and online). The name and logo must be used in accordance with Animal Humane Society's graphic standards. All promotional materials must clearly state the percentage of proceeds that will benefit Animal Humane Society.

Animal Humane Society should receive a list of targeted sponsors for the event before they are approached to minimize overlap with other AHS events and/or fundraising campaigns that may be underway.

Animal Humane Society can provide informational materials promoting the organization, its goals and accomplishments. Advance notice is needed regarding the quantities needed for the event.

Event organizers are responsible for obtaining all permits, especially those for raffles and/or games of chance.

Event organizers must obtain their own liability insurance to cover the event. AHS is not financially liable for the promotion and/or staging of third-party events.

Under no circumstances should third-party event revenue and expenses flow through Animal Humane Society books. Only the final net proceeds from the event are to be processed by Animal Humane Society. AHS should receive a complete accounting of all funds collected and expenses related to the event.

10 tips to plan and market your event

Seek the help of friends and family:Getting help with an event will help you brainstorm creative ideas, divide the work and have more fun. This means you will be able to raise more money for Animal Humane Society.

Crunch the numbers: In the early stages of planning, you will want to identify your expenses and potential sources of income and donations. You will also want to set a fundraising goal for your event.

Keep expenses low: A great way to increase the amount of money you raise at an event is to limit the amount of money you spend. Keep your event expenses low by asking people to donate or discount event-related expense items such as venue rental fees, entertainment, decorations, food and beverages. Ask for donations for auction items and raffle prizes.

Make a list, check it twice: Who will want to be involved in your event? Identify who those people are, how you want to get them involved, how you will ask them and if they will be available when you need them.

Reach out for support: Consider asking for sponsorships or underwriting for your event. Many companies look for opportunities to reach niche audiences by sponsoring community events. What kind of people are attending your event and what type of company might like to reach those people? Put together a short proposal with information about your event and the likely attendees. Make sure to include information about the benefits and recognition your sponsors will receive (signage, free tickets, etc.).

Shout it from the rooftops: Much of your success will depend on how well you spread the word about your event and the number of people you invite. How do you plan to let people know about your event? The more ways you can get the word out, the better.

Incorporate other ways to raise money: Think about what other things you can add on to your event to raise funds – live or silent auctions, raffles, 50-50 drawings, passing the hat, and sales of food or merchandise are just some examples of ways you can raise additional funds at an event. Don’t be shy to approach business owners to ask for donations – you’d be surprised at how
generous people can be and how willing they are to help.

Don’t forget to say thanks: Send letters to all of the supporters and volunteers that helped make your event a success. You will probably want their help again next year!

Keep lists up-to-date: Having a list of your event contacts makes future planning much easier. Make sure all contact lists always have the most up-to-date information (e-mail, addresses and phone numbers).

Mark your calendar: If you know the date for next year’s event, be sure to let everyone know as soon as possible so they can plan to attend!

Under no circumstances should third-party event revenue and expenses flow through Animal Humane Society books. Only the final net proceeds from the event are to be processed by Animal Humane Society. AHS should receive a complete accounting of all funds collected and expenses related to the event.